Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 136.

In Episode 136 of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter Patterson sits down with longtime paintball player Steven Price to explore the evolution of the sport over the past two decades. From playing woods ball in Michigan and competing in the early CFOA tournaments to witnessing the rise of X Ball and today's professional game, Steven shares stories that every paintball fan will appreciate.

The conversation covers the history of competitive paintball, the rapid evolution of equipment, memorable tournament experiences, and the importance of sportsmanship and community. Steven also discusses his career as a professional photographer, traveling the world while capturing incredible moments both inside and outside the paintball industry.

Whether you grew up playing in the early 2000s or you're just discovering the sport, this episode offers a fascinating look at how paintball has changed while reminding us why so many players continue to love the game.

• Steven Price's introduction to paintball

• Growing up playing woods ball and local tournaments

• The early days of CFOA competition

• Finding tournaments before social media

• The evolution of paintball equipment

• Autocockers, DMs, electronic markers, and cheat boards

• Transitioning from five-man to X Ball

• Team dynamics and building a lasting reputation

• Sportsmanship and the culture of competitive paintball

• Tournament memories from the early 2000s

• Professional photography and traveling the world

• Why woods ball and 10-man continue to inspire today's players

• The future of paintball and preserving its history

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

00:22 – Early Days of Paintball

01:01 – Michigan, Pump Guns, and High School Paintball

02:23 – Military Paintball and First Tournaments

03:14 – The Rise of CFOA

04:11 – Local Tournament Culture

05:25 – Influential Players and Teams

06:29 – Paintball Nation and Online Forums

07:29 – Finding Events Before Social Media

08:34 – Cash Entry Fees and Tournament Competition

09:55 – The Evolution of Paintball Gear

11:22 – Cartel, Fracture, and Team History

12:49 – Myrtle Beach LS Series

15:27 – Technology Changes the Game

16:56 – Classic Tournament Stories

18:47 – Sportsmanship on the Field

20:44 – Cheat Boards and Electronic Markers

22:31 – Five-Man to X Ball

24:32 – Practice Routines and Team Strategy

26:31 – The Mental Side of Paintball

28:53 – Overshooting and Competitive Ethics

31:07 – Staying Competitive Through the Years

33:20 – Favorite Tournament Memories

35:36 – Preparation and Team Chemistry

36:54 – Photography and Paintball

45:09 – International Photography Career

58:24 – Traveling the World

01:02:20 – Professionalism and Reputation

01:05:29 – Controversies and Lessons Learned

01:12:35 – Rule Changes and the Evolution of the Sport

01:18:26 – The Return of Woods Ball

01:19:43 – Preserving Paintball's Legacy

01:24:03 – Final Thoughts

If you enjoy hearing stories from paintball's past while looking toward the future of the sport, Episode 136 is one you won't want to miss.

#PlanetPaintball #Episode136 #StevenPrice #PaintballPodcast #CompetitivePaintball #TournamentPaintball #PaintballHistory

Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 136 | Steven Price

summary

A comprehensive overview of the Midwest Open Paintball event, covering team performances across divisions, notable highlights, and upcoming prospects.

Paintball, Midwest Open, Team Performance, Tournament Highlights, Division Results

key topics

Team performances across divisions

Notable upsets and surprises

Division winners and wild cards

Upcoming prospects and predictions

Event highlights and standout moments

takeaways

Blast mercied everyone in semi-pro, the team to beat

Division II saw steady performances from AG Knights and Our Factory

Division III's War continues to dominate with multiple wins

Wild card teams like CWE Power and Carolina Threat made strong showings

Division V X-Ball remains competitive with New Jersey teams leading

"Tampa Bay Damage and Chicago Distortion punching their ticket"

"Blast mercied everyone in semi-pro, the team to beat"

"Our Factory's not new to the making it on"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Midwest Open

00:24 Pro Division Highlights

02:50 Semi-Pro and Division II Insights

04:18 Division III and IV Overview

06:17 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 135 | Nate from Rag Tag Army

In Episode 135 of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter Patterson sits down with Nate from Rag Tag Army to discuss his journey through competitive paintball, from his first experience playing in 2010 to competing at the national level.

Nate shares the story of how he developed as a player, the growth of Rag Tag Army, and the lessons learned from years of tournament competition. The conversation dives into team leadership, practice routines, accountability, travel, and what it takes to build a successful paintball program.

The episode also explores the importance of community, player development, and balancing the demands of work, life, and competitive paintball while continuing to pursue ambitious goals within the sport.

• Nate's introduction to paintball and competitive play

• The formation and growth of Rag Tag Army

• Team leadership and organizational structure

• Training routines and offseason preparation

• Tournament strategy and game-day execution

• Accountability and team culture

• Learning from setbacks and competitive challenges

• Social media, YouTube, and growing the paintball community

• Gear preferences and customization

• Future goals for Rag Tag Army

00:00 – Introduction to Paintball Journey
05:24 – Return to Paintball and Team Dynamics
10:51 – Exploring Other Sports and Returning to Paintball
13:26 – Joining Rag Tag Army and Team Growth
15:59 – YouTube Ventures and Community Engagement
18:34 – National Competitions and League Choices
21:34 – Experiences with Pro Teams and Future Aspirations
22:46 – Choosing Team Loyalty Over Pro Opportunities
23:43 – Goals and Aspirations of Rag Tag Army
24:21 – Event Participation and Team Dynamics
25:19 – Lessons from Competition and Accountability
26:49 – Navigating Personal Setbacks and Growth
26:58 – Transitioning to D2 and Team Structure
29:03 – Offseason Training and Preparation
32:16 – Skill Development and National Attention
34:00 – Traveling for Competitions and Opportunities
35:25 – Expectations for the D2 Season
36:44 – Winning Strategies and Team Dynamics
39:28 – Learning from Defeats and Future Challenges
41:47 – Sparring Partners and Practice Dynamics
45:51 – Unique Team Jerseys and Their Inspirations
47:12 – The Fun Side of Paintball
49:45 – Team Dynamics and Coaching
54:19 – Player Roster Insights
01:00:53 – The Role of Support Staff
01:01:40 – Memorable Paintball Experiences
01:03:30 – Paintball Gear and Superstitions
01:06:25 – Thoughts on the Evolution of Paintball
01:08:16 – Sponsors, Acknowledgments, and Closing Thoughts

Whether you're a player looking to improve, a team leader building a program, or simply a fan of competitive paintball, this episode offers valuable insight into the dedication, teamwork, and mindset required to succeed in the sport.

#PlanetPaintball #Episode135 #RagTagArmy #Nate #PaintballPodcast #CompetitivePaintball #TournamentPaintball

Topics CoveredTimestamps

Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 134 | Blake Baumeister

In Episode 134 of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter Patterson sits down with Blake Baumeister to discuss his journey from backyard paintball games to competing on the national stage. Blake shares insights into team development, competitive growth, practice strategies, and the mindset required to succeed in tournament paintball.

The conversation covers everything from rebuilding teams and adapting to roster changes to improving decision-making under pressure and preparing for higher levels of competition. Whether you're a new player looking to improve or a seasoned competitor seeking an edge, Blake offers valuable lessons from his years in the sport.

• Blake's introduction to paintball and early playing experiences

• Transitioning from local competition to national events

• The rise and evolution of teams like Free Parking, Lone Wolf PB, and BC Riot

• Team rebuilding and managing roster changes

• Decision-making and adapting to faster competition

• Zone control and pressure-based practice drills

• Mental toughness and overcoming tournament adversity

• Building team chemistry and maintaining morale

• Playing multiple formats to improve overall skills

• Equipment preferences and favorite markers

• Preparing for the upcoming season and future goals

00:00 – Introduction to Blake Baumeister and His Paintball Journey
02:00 – Early Experiences and Competitive Beginnings
04:00 – Free Parking, Lone Wolf PB, and Early Teams
06:00 – The Evolution of BC Riot
08:00 – Team Rebuilding and Roster Changes
10:00 – Differences Between Divisions and Higher-Level Play
12:00 – Adjusting to Faster Competition
14:00 – Practice Strategies and Zone Control Drills
16:00 – Mental Toughness During Major Events
18:00 – Handling Playtime Disparities and Team Dynamics
20:00 – Benefits of Playing Multiple Formats
22:00 – Improving Through Focused Drills
24:00 – Gear Preferences and Dream Setups
26:00 – Common Mistakes and Faster Decision-Making
28:00 – Making the Jump from Local to National Competition
30:00 – Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Season
32:00 – Closing Thoughts and Future Goals

Subscribe to the Planet Paintball Podcast for more conversations with players, coaches, field owners, and industry leaders from across the paintball world.

#PlanetPaintball #Episode134 #BlakeBaumeister #PaintballPodcast #TournamentPaintball #CompetitivePaintball #PaintballCommunity

Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 133 featuring Local Nobody

In this episode, Hunter Patterson sits down with Local Nobody, the creator behind a growing line of innovative 3D-printed paintball accessories and organizational tools.

From custom gun stands and pod fillers to wall-mounted storage systems and trigger fidgets, Local Nobody discusses how a passion for paintball, technology, and creativity evolved into designing practical products for players of all levels. The conversation explores the design process, product development, community feedback, and the role of innovation in improving the paintball experience.

Topics covered in this episode:

• How Local Nobody got started in paintball and 3D printing

• The evolution of the Local Nobody brand

• Designing custom paintball accessories and gear

• Product development from concept to production

• Gun stands, pod fillers, trigger fidgets, and storage solutions

• The versatile Pex Board organization system

• Working with teams and incorporating customer feedback

• Challenges and opportunities in creating paintball products

• The importance of community and keeping paintball fun

• Future projects and plans for Local Nobody Paintball

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Local Nobody and His Paintball Journey
02:46 – The Evolution of the Local Nobody Brand
05:23 – 3D Printing and the Creative Process
08:09 – Product Development: Pod Filler and Gun Stand
10:34 – Customization and Community Feedback
13:14 – Paintball Gear Innovations and Challenges
16:16 – Weather Challenges and Paintball Events
24:50 – Designing Custom Paintball Gear
32:35 – Innovative Packaging and Shipping Solutions
43:14 – The Versatile Pex Board System
44:14 – Innovative Fidget Designs
49:47 – Product Development Journey
54:01 – Custom Creations and Team Collaborations
58:10 – Passion for Paintball and Family Bonding
01:04:27 – Ego in Sports and Community Engagement

Whether you're interested in paintball gear, product design, 3D printing, or the creative side of the sport, this episode provides a unique look at how innovation continues to shape the paintball community.

#PlanetPaintball #PaintballPodcast #LocalNobody #PaintballGear #3DPrinting #PaintballCommunity #CustomGear #PaintballInnovation

Navigating Life Beyond Paintball: Insights from Cameron Pawley

Embracing Change and Growing the Sport: A Deep Dive with Cameron PawleyIn this episode, Cameron Pawley and Hunter discuss the evolving landscape of paintball, personal growth, and the importance of human connection. They explore how industry shifts, marketing strategies, and personal decisions shape both players and the future of the sport.Key Topics:

• Cameron's decision to step away from competitive paintball and focus on personal growth
• The influence of family, especially the impact of Cameron’s father on his paintball journey
• How the sport's marketing, sponsorships, and media coverage can be improved
• The potential for stadium-based paintball events to elevate the sport's profile
• The importance of valuing players as human beings, not just athletes
• The role of community, story-telling, and drama in engaging viewers and sponsors
• Suggestions for developing talent: drafts, combines, and regional qualifiers
• The future of paintball leagues, with discussions on league structure and growth strategies
• The significance of change as an inevitable part of life and sport

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
02:02 - Cameron’s hiatus and reasoning behind stepping back
04:22 - Balancing personal life, career, and paintball
06:22 - The importance of valuing every day and setting new goals
08:36 - Managing mental and emotional health within the sport
10:22 - The significance of family, grief, and legacy in paintball
12:14 - Transitioning into golf and exploring new challenges
14:39 - The evolution of talent recognition and opportunities in paintball
16:47 - Success stories of semi-pro teams moving to pro level
19:28 - League structure, team support, and the state of the professional scene
21:26 - Growing the sport through media, production, and storytelling
23:58 - The potential of stadium-based events and TV-style coverage
27:33 - Incorporating sponsorships into event production for broader exposure
32:17 - Marketing, commercializing, and attracting mainstream brands
37:17 - The idea of blind layout tournaments for higher stakes and excitement
40:20 - The importance of player recognition, storytelling, and drama
45:38 - Exploring regional leagues, talent development, and combines
50:41 - The impact of economy and external factors on paintball’s growth
58:55 - The need for a human-first approach, mental health, and community value
66:28 - Embracing change and the importance of self-awareness in life and sport
71:27 - Closing thoughts, shout outs, and future

Tony Tran joins Hunter Patterson on the Planet Paintball Podcast for a deep dive into one of the most unique and memorable journeys in competitive paintball.

From the early days of local tournaments and creating the legendary Trandanas to competing with top teams and sharing stories from some of the biggest events in the sport, Tony brings decades of experience and insight to the conversation.

This episode covers paintball history, team dynamics, equipment evolution, memorable wins, and Tony’s perspective on where competitive paintball is headed next. Whether you’ve been around the game for years or are just getting started, there’s a lot to take away from this one.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Tony’s introduction to paintball and how it all started
• The story behind Trandanas
• Early tournament experiences and standout moments
• Team growth through different eras of competition
• The Dark Carnival, Collision, and Crusaders years
• Transitioning into D1 competition
• Team chemistry and leadership
• Paintball gear and favorite setups
• The growth of Southeast paintball
• Ideas for tournament formats and the future of the sport

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Planet Paintball Podcast
01:08 – The Birth of Trandanas
03:16 – Tony Tran’s Journey into Paintball
04:42 – First Tournament Experiences
08:55 – The Evolution of Teams and Coaching
15:07 – The Dark Carnival Era
17:49 – Transitioning to Collision
21:11 – The Crusaders and Absolute Chaos
22:49 – Unstoppable Season Highlights
28:54 – The Transition to D1
33:51 – Lessons from the D1 Experience
38:13 – Current Teams and Future Aspirations
44:12 – Paintball Memories and Team Spirit
46:22 – Favorite Paintball Moments
48:21 – The Importance of Team Dynamics
49:52 – Gear Talk: The Perfect Gun
51:31 – Nostalgic Guns: The Ones That Got Away
54:17 – Reshaping Competitive Paintball
58:20 – The Future of Paintball Leagues

Follow Planet Paintball for more interviews, event coverage, and conversations from across the paintball world.

#PlanetPaintball #TonyTran #PaintballPodcast #TournamentPaintball #CompetitivePaintball #SoutheastPaintball

Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 130
Featuring Cody

In Episode 130, Hunter Patterson sits down with Cody to talk through his extensive journey in paintball—from the early days of learning the game to competing with top teams and staying involved in the sport through every stage of his career.

Cody shares valuable perspective on how paintball has evolved over the years, how equipment changes have influenced the game, and why consistency, awareness, and community continue to matter at every level of competition.

This episode offers a strong look at the history of the sport while also exploring where paintball is headed next.

Topics Covered:

• Cody’s introduction to paintball and early experiences
• Career milestones and progression through competitive paintball
• The impact of field awareness and game IQ
• The evolution of paintball equipment and how it changed gameplay
• Time spent with teams like Tippmann Effect, Vicious, Dynasty, and Diesel
• The role of consistent practice and repetition
• Returning to the game after time away
• How relocation influenced opportunities in paintball
• Health challenges and staying involved in competition
• Becoming the voice of NGXL
• Teams to watch and the future of the game
• The importance of mentorship and giving back to the community

Key Takeaways:

• Game awareness is more important than ever
• Practice consistency separates good teams from great teams
• Equipment changes continue to shape strategy and pace
• Youth can be a major advantage in today’s game
• Persistence and commitment are key to long-term success
• Community and mentorship continue to grow the sport

Sound Bites:

“Game awareness is more important than ever”
“Youth is an advantage in the sport”
“Persistence is key to becoming a top team”

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:21 – The Evolution of Paintball and Field Awareness
03:43 – Personal Journey in Paintball
03:51 – Career Milestones and Team Experiences
04:13 – Introduction and Technical Setup
04:19 – Exploring the Main Topic
04:21 – The Tryout Journey Begins
06:54 – From Tippmann Effect to Vicious
09:38 – The Transition to Pro Teams
12:22 – Life on Dynasty
14:53 – The Rise of Diesel
17:38 – Memorable Moments in Paintball
20:03 – Reflections on Early Career
23:17 – The Importance of Practice in Paintball
24:36 – Returning to the Game After a Long Break
26:44 – Relocation and Its Impact on Paintball
28:27 – The Journey Back to Competitive Play
31:14 – Health Challenges and Their Influence on Play
35:23 – Becoming the Voice of NGXL
39:37 – Teams to Watch in NGXL

Episode 130 is available now.

#PlanetPaintball #Episode130 #PaintballPodcast #Cody #ProPaintball #NGXL #PaintballHistory

Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 129
Featuring Zach Ponitz

In Episode 129, Hunter Patterson sits down with Zach Ponitz to discuss his journey from getting into paintball at 15 years old to becoming a respected head tech and industry expert. The conversation dives into paintball gear maintenance, the local Pittsburgh paintball scene, tournament play, and what it takes to build a career in the industry.

This episode provides valuable insight for players, aspiring techs, and anyone interested in the technical side of paintball.

Topics Covered:

• Zach’s introduction to paintball and competitive play
• Transitioning from recreational to tournament paintball
• Becoming a head tech and working in manufacturing
• Common paintball gun issues and maintenance tips
• The importance of cleaning and lubrication
• Insights into sponsorships and tournament leagues
• The Pittsburgh paintball community and its history
• Upcoming events and goals within the sport

Key Takeaways:

• Regular maintenance extends the life of your marker
• Hands-on experience is essential for becoming a tech
• Local paintball communities are filled with talent and opportunity
• Networking and dedication can open doors in the industry

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Paintball and Zach’s Role
02:33 – Zach’s Journey into Paintball
05:14 – The Evolution of Zach’s Career
07:58 – Transitioning from Recreational to Competitive Play
10:02 – Technical Insights and Common Issues
11:02 – The Importance of Maintenance
13:29 – Upcoming Events and Personal Goals
18:08 – Introduction and Technical Difficulties
20:25 – Pittsburgh Mercenaries and Team Dynamics
22:14 – NR Series and Upcoming Events
01:04:25 – Exploring the Factory Atmosphere
01:05:36 – Closing Thoughts and Thanks

Episode 129 is available now.

#PlanetPaintball #Episode129 #PaintballPodcast #ZachPonitz #PaintballTech #TournamentPaintball

Jacob Mesko shares his journey through semi-pro paintball, team dynamics, practice strategies, and insights into the competitive scene, including recent wins and upcoming goals.

paintball, semi-pro, team strategy, practice tips, tournament wins, Blast Camp, Ohio event, coaching, paintball gear, player development

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics

02:29 Transitioning to Blast Camp

04:42 Reflections on Past Performance

07:15 The Journey to Semi-Pro

09:57 Mindset and Strategy in Semi-Pro

12:12 Facing Adversity and Growth

14:50 Preparing for Future Events

17:34 Cody's Influence and Mentorship

22:48 Navigating Team Dynamics and Personal Growth

26:09 The Importance of Accountability in Team Sports

29:25 Building Relationships and Team Chemistry

34:02 Memorable Moments and Team Bonding

36:59 Local Scene and Coaching Experience

44:27 Gaining Perspective Through Coaching

46:06 Embracing Mistakes and Risk in Sports

48:26 Understanding Game Strategy and Communication

49:54 Intentional Practice and Personal Growth

53:53 Setting Goals for Improvement

56:12 The Importance of Teamwork and Consistent Practice

58:32 Overcoming Challenges and Expectations

01:02:02 The Role of Former Pros in Semi-Pro Paintball

01:02:50 Shoutouts and Acknowledgments